Rugby World Cup 2019 Rugby World Cup 2019 Menu Cookies on the Rugby World Cup Website We use cookies to help make this website better. To find out more about the cookies we use, please read our Cookies Policy . If you continue without changing your cookie settings, you consent to this use, you can find information in our Cookies Policy about how to remove cookies. Watch 1000 days to #RWC2019 #1000Days Join the Front Row now to get the latest ticket and event news for Rugby World Cup 2019 No fewer than 76 applications have been received from towns and prefectures the length and breadth of Japan. 11/01/2017 12:13 With 2017 being a big year for RWC 2019, the countdown is on for what will be a tournament for all of Japan. 22/12/2016 12:45 What do Wales, Tonga and Switzerland have in common? They're all climbers in the World Rugby Rankings after this weekend’s matches.

09/07/2015 14:17 In his column ahead of the Dubai Sevens, World Rugby ambassador Rob Vickerman sheds light on a thrilling series to come. 09/07/2015 14:17 Confirmation of the date for the Rugby World Cup 2019 pool draw has focused the minds of the leading nations as another bumper weekend of international rugby lies ahead. 09/07/2015 14:17 World Rugby and the Japan 2019 organising committee have confirmed that the Rugby World Cup 2019 pool draw will take place on 10 May, 2017 in Kyoto's State Guest House. 09/07/2015 14:17 Rugby World Cup: Rugby to blossom for 2019 World Cup hosts Japan - BBC News BBC News Rugby World Cup: Rugby to blossom for 2019 World Cup hosts Japan By Bill Wilson Business reporter, BBC News 8 October 2015 Read more about sharing.

Close share panel Media captionAfter its team's strong showing this year, Japan is already looking forward to hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2019 Japan will know this weekend whether they have upset the Rugby World Cup odds once again, and qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time. However, even if that proves a step too far for the Brave Blossoms, they have already made history with the greatest upset at a Rugby World Cup - their stunning victory over 1995 and 2007 champions South Africa. The Asian underdogs' results since then may not have matched that peak, but rugby union in the country is now on a popular high, and there is a new appetite and interest in the game that bodes well for Japan's hosting of the competition in 2019. What has been a niche interest has found itself catapulted into the national consciousness, while last week global governing body World Rugby approved a revised tournament plan for 2019, one brought about by issues over where the final would be played in four years' time.

After delays around building a new Olympic Stadium for 2020, which Japan is also hosting, World Rugby has said the 70,000-seat Yokohama Stadium (venue for the 2002 football World Cup final) will host the final of the 2019 rugby competition. Getting hooked One Japanese business expert, and keen amateur rugby player, believes that the tournament, the first ever to be played in Asia, will provide breakthrough moments for both the sport and the nation. Image caption Prof Takeshita is spreading the word about rugby union in Japan "In Japan, rugby is not really fully recognised," says Seijiro Takeshita, professor of management and information at the University of Shizuoka, and former captain of the London Japanese Rugby Football Club. "It is also a pretty difficult game to understand, so I think more recognition of the game would definitely boost the population of people who are going to look into the game. Once they do, they will get hooked." There was an immediate upturn of interest after the South Africa victory, with nearly 20 million Japanese watching the team's second Rugby World Cup match against Scotland, their first following the stunning upset.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Japan fans have been making rugby friends during their team's 2015 games The Scotland match started at 22:15 Japan time and 19.5 million people, some 15% of the population, stayed up to watch. "I think [the South Africa victory] had an astonishing mega-effect, both outside and in Japan," says Prof Takeshita. "That showed to the world that we can do this. Right now nobody argues that Japan will be hosting the World Cup in 2019." Business with leisure Prof Takeshita says Japan has already eyed increased tourism as a major target for the economy and that the 2019 World Cup can "certainly give a very strong following wind to that trend, and also recognition that Japan could hold such a big event". "It would also be a very big advertisement [for Japan] to the rest of the world, so it works very nicely inside and outside of Japan, and I do feel that Japan will make a very good host," he adds.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The Rugby World Cup has heightened awareness of the sport in Japan "Japan is known for its articulate and precise level of, for example, transportation, service, what have you... it is a very business-like community, and I think it a very good opportunity to show to the world that we can do this really, really well. "It is also an opportunity for Japan to appeal to the world, that this isn't just business, but this is a wonderful place for leisure as well, and you can mix both of them together." He said that Japan was still not "fully understood" by the rest of the world. "I think this is a very good opportunity for Japan to show that it is not only on the operations side that we can do it, but that the country is a very strong attraction for you to come back to many times later on." Touch rugby Koji Tokumasu is general manager of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Organising Committee and has been a fan of rugby since he fell in love with the game while studying in Cardiff.

Image caption Rugby in Japan is currently focussed on colleges and corporate-affiliated teams He sees the 2019 World Cup expanding the Japanese rugby participation base - currently focussed on colleges and corporate-affiliated teams - out into the wider sporting public. He says the host cities will be key in promoting the game, through their schools, civic events, and local government support. "We are making use of about 20,000 primary schools, and bringing tag [touch] rugby, non-tackling, which the boys and girls can enjoy," he adds. "So by the year 2019, every single child will have touched the ball." He also said that whereas the 2020 Olympic Games would be held in one city - Tokyo, the Rugby World Cup could bring economic benefits to a number of cities and towns across Japan. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Koji Takumasu became a fan of rugby when he studied in Wales He said as well as the 12 host cities, there would be another 20 training camps, meaning tourist visitors would be visiting a number of communities during the six-week event.

Rugby mission And Mr Tokumasu says that despite the stadium hiccups, the country will deliver a successful Rugby World Cup. "Of course Japan Rugby is confident to deliver a successful World Cup," he says. "The reason why World Rugby has given us an opportunity to host the World Cup is that rugby should be played outside the traditional unions, such as England, Australia, and South Africa. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Mr Tokumasu says Japan's 2019 hosting will promote rugby union in Asia and beyond "Whenever you have a major event you always have some issues in between, from the beginning to the end... and in the end we [will] just look back and say 'sometimes we had such an issue, but let's enjoy the tournament'." He adds: "Asia has 60% of the world population, and we really want to make sure the Rugby World Cup in Japan 2019 will contribute to the develop of rugby in Asia, and eventually into the world. "We have a special mission to make rugby a truly global sport, and that was the very reason we were chosen to host.

And we are going to complete our mission." Rugby World Cup: Rugby to blossom for 2019 World Cup hosts Japan - BBC News BBC News Rugby World Cup: Rugby to blossom for 2019 World Cup hosts Japan By Bill Wilson Business reporter, BBC News 8 October 2015 Read more about sharing. Close share panel Media captionAfter its team's strong showing this year, Japan is already looking forward to hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2019 Japan will know this weekend whether they have upset the Rugby World Cup odds once again, and qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time. However, even if that proves a step too far for the Brave Blossoms, they have already made history with the greatest upset at a Rugby World Cup - their stunning victory over 1995 and 2007 champions South Africa. The Asian underdogs' results since then may not have matched that peak, but rugby union in the country is now on a popular high, and there is a new appetite and interest in the game that bodes well for Japan's hosting of the competition in 2019.

What has been a niche interest has found itself catapulted into the national consciousness, while last week global governing body World Rugby approved a revised tournament plan for 2019, one brought about by issues over where the final would be played in four years' time. After delays around building a new Olympic Stadium for 2020, which Japan is also hosting, World Rugby has said the 70,000-seat Yokohama Stadium (venue for the 2002 football World Cup final) will host the final of the 2019 rugby competition. Getting hooked One Japanese business expert, and keen amateur rugby player, believes that the tournament, the first ever to be played in Asia, will provide breakthrough moments for both the sport and the nation. Image caption Prof Takeshita is spreading the word about rugby union in Japan "In Japan, rugby is not really fully recognised," says Seijiro Takeshita, professor of management and information at the University of Shizuoka, and former captain of the London Japanese Rugby Football Club. "It is also a pretty difficult game to understand, so I think more recognition of the game would definitely boost the population of people who are going to look into the game.

Once they do, they will get hooked." There was an immediate upturn of interest after the South Africa victory, with nearly 20 million Japanese watching the team's second Rugby World Cup match against Scotland, their first following the stunning upset. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Japan fans have been making rugby friends during their team's 2015 games The Scotland match started at 22:15 Japan time and 19.5 million people, some 15% of the population, stayed up to watch. "I think [the South Africa victory] had an astonishing mega-effect, both outside and in Japan," says Prof Takeshita. "That showed to the world that we can do this. Right now nobody argues that Japan will be hosting the World Cup in 2019." Business with leisure Prof Takeshita says Japan has already eyed increased tourism as a major target for the economy and that the 2019 World Cup can "certainly give a very strong following wind to that trend, and also recognition that Japan could hold such a big event".

"It would also be a very big advertisement [for Japan] to the rest of the world, so it works very nicely inside and outside of Japan, and I do feel that Japan will make a very good host," he adds. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The Rugby World Cup has heightened awareness of the sport in Japan "Japan is known for its articulate and precise level of, for example, transportation, service, what have you... it is a very business-like community, and I think it a very good opportunity to show to the world that we can do this really, really well. "It is also an opportunity for Japan to appeal to the world, that this isn't just business, but this is a wonderful place for leisure as well, and you can mix both of them together." He said that Japan was still not "fully understood" by the rest of the world.

"I think this is a very good opportunity for Japan to show that it is not only on the operations side that we can do it, but that the country is a very strong attraction for you to come back to many times later on." Touch rugby Koji Tokumasu is general manager of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Organising Committee and has been a fan of rugby since he fell in love with the game while studying in Cardiff. Image caption Rugby in Japan is currently focussed on colleges and corporate-affiliated teams He sees the 2019 World Cup expanding the Japanese rugby participation base - currently focussed on colleges and corporate-affiliated teams - out into the wider sporting public. He says the host cities will be key in promoting the game, through their schools, civic events, and local government support. "We are making use of about 20,000 primary schools, and bringing tag [touch] rugby, non-tackling, which the boys and girls can enjoy," he adds.

"So by the year 2019, every single child will have touched the ball." He also said that whereas the 2020 Olympic Games would be held in one city - Tokyo, the Rugby World Cup could bring economic benefits to a number of cities and towns across Japan. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Koji Takumasu became a fan of rugby when he studied in Wales He said as well as the 12 host cities, there would be another 20 training camps, meaning tourist visitors would be visiting a number of communities during the six-week event. Rugby mission And Mr Tokumasu says that despite the stadium hiccups, the country will deliver a successful Rugby World Cup. "Of course Japan Rugby is confident to deliver a successful World Cup," he says. "The reason why World Rugby has given us an opportunity to host the World Cup is that rugby should be played outside the traditional unions, such as England, Australia, and South Africa. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Mr Tokumasu says Japan's 2019 hosting will promote rugby union in Asia and beyond "Whenever you have a major event you always have some issues in between, from the beginning to the end...

and in the end we [will] just look back and say 'sometimes we had such an issue, but let's enjoy the tournament'." He adds: "Asia has 60% of the world population, and we really want to make sure the Rugby World Cup in Japan 2019 will contribute to the develop of rugby in Asia, and eventually into the world. "We have a special mission to make rugby a truly global sport, and that was the very reason we were chosen to host. And we are going to complete our mission." Japan hope to stage 'unique' Rugby World Cup in 2019 - BBC Sport BBC Sport Japan hope to stage 'unique' Rugby World Cup in 2019 By Tom English From the section Scottish Rugby Share this page Read more about sharing.

Almost 25,000 fans turned out for Japan's opening Test defeat by Scotland We're sitting in a room at the Prince Chichibu Stadium in the Aoyama district of Tokyo, hearing about a woman from Kirkintilloch; a bewildered Irishman (me), a puzzled Scotsman (John Beattie) and, holding court, a former government internal affairs minister, Akira Shimazu - president of the organising committee of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The sport's next global event will be held in 12 locations in Japan, from Sapporo City in the north to Kumamoto City in the south and all manner of compelling places in between. Shimazu is talking about the pressure, and the honour, associated with a leading role in hosting not just Asia's first Rugby World Cup but the first to take place outside of the game's traditional hotbeds. "Yes, I feel the pressure," says Shimazu. "Especially after the England World Cup was such a great success. Even when the national team failed to make the knockouts, there was a fantastic atmosphere in the country.

"Our challenge, though, is not to try to imitate England but to make a very Japanese World Cup, to identify the things that make us unique. We have three years, but the reality of it all is really sinking in." Japan beat South Africa at last year's World Cup in England Scottish links This woman from Kirkintilloch, this surreal departure from the Land of the Rising Sun to the village in East Dunbartonshire, is Shimazu's idea. He mentions that Japanese people, in the past few years, have come to have a greater understanding of Scotland through a programme that ran on the NHK channel, a mini-series - 15 minutes from 08:00 six days a week - that brought in upwards of 20 million viewers per show during its 150 episodes that ran from September 2014 to March 2015. It was a drama called 'Massan', based on the real-life story of Masataka Taketsuru, an heir to a liquor store with a passion for making whisky, and his wife Jessie Roberta Cowan, a doctor's daughter from Kirkintilloch.

"It was a dramatisation of their lives and it was very famous in Japan," says Shimazu. 2019 Rugby World Cup Twenty teams will feature, including eight qualifiers Japan and Scotland among 12 sides already qualified Twelve venues across the country will host matches He tells the tale of Taketsuru leaving Japan for Glasgow in 1918 in pursuit of knowledge about the whisky industry. He enrolled on a course at Glasgow University and fell in love with the daughter of the family he was staying with - Jessie, who was known as Rita. Taketsuru learned about whisky on visits to distilleries in Speyside and Campbeltown. He married Rita in a registry office in Glasgow in January 1920. "And then they came to Japan and created Nikka Whisky, which is still very popular today, 100 years later," explains Shimazu. "They set up their distillery in Hokkaido [Japan's northernmost island]. That's close to Sapporo, a host venue for the World Cup. "Even during World War II, Rita stayed there. Her husband asked if she wanted to go home, but she stayed.

Maybe Scotland and their fans should base themselves in Sapporo in 2019 and taste the Nikka Whisky that one of their own people helped create." Taketsuru - known as Massan - is remembered as the father of Japanese Whisky - a vastly successful industry - and Rita is known as its mother. "Through this programme we learned about Scottish culture," says Shimazu. Ticketing concerns International Yokohama Stadium is one of the venues for the 2019 Rugby World Cup There are many other things he has had to learn about in the role he has held for two years, his appointment coming largely because of his knowledge of how local government works in Japan. "We have 12 host venues but we actually have 19 local governments covering those 12 venues," he says. "I've 40 years' experience working in that world." A World Cup in Japan is by turns exciting and challenging.

From the 72,327 capacity at the International Yokohama Stadium - where the 2002 football World Cup final was held and where the rugby equivalent will be staged in 2019 - to the 16,187 capacity in Kamaishi City, the 12 host grounds have a total average capacity of 37,888, which is almost 10,000 less than England in 2015 but almost 9,500 higher, per ground, than the New Zealand World Cup in 2011. That's an awful lot of tickets to sell. True, there are 126 million people living here but this country is one of rugby union's newborns in the grand scheme of things. Fewer than 25,000 turned up at the Toyota Stadium - capacity 45,000 - last Saturday to watch the Brave Blossoms lose 26-13 to Scotland. On top of that, there is competition from the Olympics that will take place in Tokyo less than a year after the World Cup.

Shimazu and his team wanted the ticket-selling process up and running by the end of this year, but that's not going to happen. Some of the leading rugby nations were successful in their bid to have the draw put back until May 2017. "We'd like to sell our tickets as early as we can," he says. Shimazu at last year's announcement of the venues for the World Cup "There are lots of infrastructural advantages of having the Olympics straight after the World Cup, but one small worry is that one of our stadiums in Tokyo is also hosting the Olympic sevens so we're concerned that some Japanese people, who don't know much about rugby but would like to come and watch, may be confused about tickets for the 15-a-side games and the sevens games. "The quicker we know who is playing where, the better chance we have of getting our plans in place. "There are other challenges. Accommodation is a big challenge, but hotels are under construction. There's also a higher expectation amongst the people of Japan after the team did so well in England. Maybe we'll be drawn against Scotland again, like in England.

Of course, next time we'll win." It's said as a joke, but you wouldn't doubt them. The hosts will stage a hell of a party - and they're not intending to bow out early. Share this page Rugby union-Yokohama wants to host 2019 World Cup matches Rugby union-Yokohama wants to host 2019 World Cup matches Pin it Share Dec 15 (Reuters) - The Yokohama stadium that staged the 2002 soccer World Cup final between Brazil and Germany has been added to the list of potential venues for the 2019 rugby World Cup. The 72,000-seat stadium was not on the original shortlist of venues bidding to host matches but World Cup officials agreed to accept a late application from Yokohama and the Kanagawa Prefecture, of which it is the capital. A total of 15 cities and prefectures are now under consideration with a decision about the successful cities expected early next year.

"While we note that the deadline is passed for applications to host matches at Rugby World Cup, we have decided to accept this bid because we want to ensure that the tournament is available to as many sports fans as possible around the country," Japan Rugby 2019 chief executive Akira Shimazu said in a statement. "Yokohama's bid will now be considered on its individual merits along with all the others." The full list of bidders is: Sapporo City, Iwate Prefecture and Kamaishi City, Sendai City, Saitama Prefecture and Kumagaya City, Tokyo, Shizuoka Prefecture, Aichi Prefecture and Toyota City, Osaka Prefecture and Higashi Osaka City, Kyoto City, Kobe City, Fukuoka City, Oita Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture and Kumamoto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Yokohama and Kanagawa Prefecture. "The international stadium at Yokohama is a world-famous venue and iconic for millions of soccer fans who remember when it staged the FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Brazil in 2002," Rugby World Cup chairman Bernard Lapasset said.

"We are delighted that Yokohama and Kanagawa Prefecture have submitted this application as it further demonstrates how the local governments in every part of Japan are keen to host matches at Rugby World Cup 2019 and welcome the rugby world to their cities." (Reporting by Julian Linden in Singapore. Editing by Patick Johnston) Reblog Japan triumph 'can lead the way for neighbour nations' new horizons Japan triumph 'can lead the way for neighbour nations' RWC 2019 official hopes Brave Blossoms' rise up rankings can open door for a second Asian qualifier at next World Cup by Steve Impey 22/09/2015 09:00 HOLDING HOPE: Koji Tokumasu in Manila with captains from Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Sri Lanka GLOUCESTER, 22 Sept – Koji Tokumasu, general manager for the 2019 Rugby World Cup Organising Committee, has insisted Japan can provide a gateway to the further globalisation of the sport following the nation’s proud victory over rugby superpower South Africa.

While elected as Asia’s representative on the World Rugby council, Tokumasu says he is currently in negotiations with the body to allow a second Asian rugby nation compete at the World Cup in four years’ time if Japan can achieve a top-12 finish by the end of this year’s tournament. Japan stunned the world of rugby at the Brighton Community Stadium on Saturday by clinching their first win over a tier-one union and showing the belief to go for victory rather than a draw, on offer, in the final moments against their revered Pool B opponents, the Springboks. 0:00 / 0:00 This, according to Tokumasu, was not only a day to cherish for Japan, but will act as the catalyst for the smaller but hungry rugby nations to thrive on. One day, he says, every nation can strive to be as good as South Africa. “I am only just recovering after the game,” he said of Japan’s shock victory. “I feel responsible for this win to mean something and it is very important to keep this momentum going.

“Japan, as a rugby union, has put a very big emphasis on this World Cup and, under the leadership of Eddie Jones, the union is pushing for, not necessarily the quarter-finals, but automatic qualification for its own tournament. “We don’t just want to qualify as the host nation. We should prove that we have the right to host the World Cup in our country.” Under scrutiny The organising committee behind RWC 2019 has come under scrutiny in recent months as to whether Japan is a suitable host nation after it was announced in July that the new national stadium in Tokyo would not be ready in time. In response, Tokumasu, who says he is still discussing tournament plans at this stage with World Rugby, believes the union’s latest victory will go some way to proving Japan has the resources. “This win will convince the world that the Japan Rugby Union is ready to host the next World Cup and that we are capable of doing that,” Tokumasu continued. Globalise the sport “We want to talk to World Rugby to make sure that, if Japan can come in the top 12 during this World Cup, Asia will be given another place at the next World Cup. However, some say that can’t happen because Asian rugby is ‘weak’.

“This is my hope for Asia. It will be the first time the Rugby World Cup is held in Asia and it is meant to globalise the sport. It is, therefore, very important that we can open a door for another Asian participant. This would be the best legacy Japan can leave for rugby in Asia.” Tokumasu enjoys telling the story of his first trip to the UK. It was in 1975, as a young and impressionable Japanese rugby journalist, that he travelled 6,000 miles to Cardiff, to learn the art of rugby. AS IT STANDS all four pools after the opening weekend of #RWC2015 action pic.twitter.com/qDIIPHeT2O — Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 21, 2015 The impulse trip came after he witnessed the Welsh national side play for the very first time in his native Japan – with the finesse he hoped to one day see his own nation adopt – and spurred him to visit the country that bred such flair. “When we talk about football, it’s not a very physical game like rugby,” Tokumasu explained.

“Most play in Europe but the Asian people are a small race and it is very difficult for the smaller players to play the bigger teams. “Our beautiful Rugby World Cup has become very predictable but this upset (against South Africa) will be very good for the interest of the Rugby World Cup itself. We’ve shown that, with good preparation and tactics, you can beat the bigger people and it will encourage the smaller nations too. “This is actually something that Eddie Jones has done differently from our coaches in the past. A lot of people in Japan believed we could beat South Africa on the day but it wasn’t just that they won but the way they did it. Dreams come true “After the game, I received so many emails from old friends – some people I haven’t spoken with in 20 years – about the times we shared in Cardiff back in the late 1970s. They kept coming, one after another. “It shows that, if you make the effort, your dream can come true.

Everybody is still overwhelmed by our victory and this is a very good promotion for the Rugby World Cup in 2019.” RNS si/sw Rugby World Cup 2019 Rugby World Cup 2019 Menu Cookies on the Rugby World Cup Website We use cookies to help make this website better. To find out more about the cookies we use, please read our Cookies Policy . If you continue without changing your cookie settings, you consent to this use, you can find information in our Cookies Policy about how to remove cookies. Watch 1000 days to #RWC2019 #1000Days Join the Front Row now to get the latest ticket and event news for Rugby World Cup 2019 No fewer than 76 applications have been received from towns and prefectures the length and breadth of Japan. 11/01/2017 12:13 With 2017 being a big year for RWC 2019, the countdown is on for what will be a tournament for all of Japan. 22/12/2016 12:45 What do Wales, Tonga and Switzerland have in common?

They're all climbers in the World Rugby Rankings after this weekend’s matches. 09/07/2015 14:17 In his column ahead of the Dubai Sevens, World Rugby ambassador Rob Vickerman sheds light on a thrilling series to come. 09/07/2015 14:17 Confirmation of the date for the Rugby World Cup 2019 pool draw has focused the minds of the leading nations as another bumper weekend of international rugby lies ahead. 09/07/2015 14:17 World Rugby and the Japan 2019 organising committee have confirmed that the Rugby World Cup 2019 pool draw will take place on 10 May, 2017 in Kyoto's State Guest House.

09/07/2015 14:17 2019 World Cup hosts Japan suffer stadium setback | Rugby Union News | Sky Sports 2019 World Cup hosts Japan suffer stadium setback Last Updated: 17/07/15 3:27pm The World Cup will be presented later this year at Twickenham before being played for in Japan in 2019 World Rugby has expressed its disappointment over the news that Japan’s new national stadium, which was due to host the final of the 2019 rugby union World Cup, will not now be finished in time for the tournament. The proposed stadium was scheduled to host the final of the tournament – as well as other matches – but Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Friday that, due to escalating costs, the construction has been scrapped. Abe said: "We are scrapping our plans for the stadium, and starting from zero." However, a modified stadium will be built in its place and be ready in time to host the Tokyo Olympic Games of 2020. Unfortunately, costs have ballooned by nearly twice the original budget sparking an uproar in Japan.

It is believed that Yokohama's 72,000-capacity stadium, which hosted the final of football’s World Cup in 2002, will stage the rugby showpiece. World Rugby officials have indicated they will be seeking urgent talks with tournament organisers. World Rugby said in a statement: “We are extremely disappointed by today's announcement that the new National Stadium will not be ready to host Rugby World Cup 2019 matches despite repeated assurances to the contrary from the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee and Japan Sports Council. "The National Stadium was a compelling and important pillar of Japan's successful bid to host Rugby World Cup 2019, which was awarded to the Japan Rugby Football Union in 2009. "World Rugby is urgently seeking further detailed clarification from the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee and will need to consider the options relating to the impact of today's announcement." Japan are the first Asian country to be awarded the tournament which began in 1987 and has been staged every four years.

The 2019 rugby World Cup will be played in a dozen stadia while construction for the national stadium was due to begin in October with a completion date of May 2019. Officials have already adjusted the design in an attempt to cut costs, while a planned retractable roof will be added after the Olympics and Paralympics. The number of permanent seats will be reduced from 80,000 to 65,000 after the Games, with the stadium to be built on the site of the one used for athletics at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | England will host 2015 World Cup England will host 2015 World Cup Advertisement World Cup will boost economy - RFU chairman England have fought off rival bids from South Africa and Italy to win the right to stage the 2015 Rugby World Cup. It will be the second time England have hosted the competition, the last time being in 1991. The International Rugby Board (IRB) also announced that Japan will be hosts for the event in 2019.

The IRB voted 16-10 in favour of rubber-stamping the recommendation from Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) that England and Japan should be named hosts. The announcement by IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset had been widely expected after RWCL, the IRB-controlled company that oversees the tournaments, last month endorsed England and Japan as the strongest bidders. Rugby Football Union (RFU) chairman Martyn Thomas called the decision "a relief, and also great joy for England". PREVIOUS WORLD CUP HOSTS 1987: New Zealand (co-host with Australia) 1991: England 2007: France 2011: New Zealand "We have been trusted with making a great competition and providing a great spectacle, and delivering what the IRB needs in terms of host revenue," said Thomas. "Australia did an immense job [in 2003], France raised the bar [in 2007] and we have got to raise it again.

We have got some very iconic stadia and it will be tremendous for world rugby and immense for participation in England." The RFU says England will lay on the biggest World Cup to date, generating a surplus at least £60m larger than that of the other bids. Between the event's running dates from 4 September to 17 October it says three million people will watch the games live at stadiums across the country. The stadia selected are Twickenham, Wembley and the Emirates Stadium in London, Old Trafford in Manchester, Newcastle's St James' Park, Anfield in Liverpool, Elland Road in Leeds, the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, Welford Road in Leicester, Kingsholm in Gloucester and St Mary's Stadium in Southampton. The only stadium outside England to host matches will be Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, which will stage two quarter-finals and some pool matches. 606: DEBATE Well done IRB you made the right decision OnlyJoeQuin However, IRB chief executive Mike Miller confirmed England's plan to use the Millennium Stadium must still be ratified by the RWCL board - and that may not happen until next March.

The RFU must make a proposal to the IRB and provide compelling reasons that meet specific criteria that are in the best interests of the game globally for taking matches outside of England. Japan are in a similar boat after submitting their bid with plans to split a pool between Singapore and Hong Kong, although it is hard to see the IRB dismissing that request given their desire to spread the game through Asia. Prime Minister Gordon Brown said it was a "fantastic achievement" to win the bid and congratulated the RFU on their success. "I'm sure the whole country will want to play their part in making this the most memorable of Rugby World Cups," he added. The event will form part of what Brown has labelled a "golden decade" of sport in the UK. "The Rugby World Cup is yet another tremendous event to add to the country's decade of sport and another chance to show our nation's passion for sport and what world class facilities we have to offer. I'm sure it will be a tournament to remember," said Brown. Former England international Will Greenwood, a World Cup winner in 2003, says he hopes the event will leave a lasting legacy not only in this country but across the world.

England must produce best RWC ever - Greenwood "We focused on delivering a low risk, high return bid and a tremendous legacy," Greenwood told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I've seen the ability of rugby to change lives, both on an individual level and on a community basis and part of the RFU pledge is all surplus money will go back into grassroots both on a domestic level and a global scale. "We now have an opportunity to go round the country and spread the gospel of rugby, grow the support and player base and spread the values and beliefs of rugby such as teamwork, discipline, trust, friendship and second chances." Ex-England captain Lawrence Dallaglio, also part of the victorious 2003 side, said: "The world's best players will now have a chance to play in some of the world's best stadia and supporters can look forward to a feast of rugby. It's almost enough to bring me out of retirement!" RFU chairman Thomas also offered his condolences to unsuccessful rival bidders South Africa and Italy. "We have been there before [to France for the 2007 RWC], we know how they are feeling," said Thomas.

THE UK GOLDEN DECADE OF SPORT 2010: Ryder Cup, Celtic Manor 2011: Champions League final, Wembley 2012: Olympic Games, London ADDITIONAL BID 2018 Football World Cup South Africa, in particular, were upset at losing out on the recommendation of the RWCL, and had been lobbying hard ahead of Tuesday's meeting. They had pressed home the fact they had secured government support totalling £130m - £50m more than the tournament fee - compared to the £25m Westminster has made available to the RFU. "It's been a long, tough battle," said former Springbok captain Morne du Plessis. "We believe that we presented an extremely credible bid based on the fantastic infrastructure that our country will soon have (as a result of upgrades to prepare for the 2010 football World Cup).

"Even if we're successful the next time around, 28 years is too long to wait for a country with such strong rugby passions." As well as bringing an estimated £2.1bn in economic benefits to the British economy, England's package is projected to generate £300m for the IRB, who rely on the tournament for 98% of their income. On top of the £80m tournament fee, the UK market would attract a further £220m in commercial returns from broadcasting, sponsorship and merchandising, which is understood to be at least 20% more than the bids from either South Africa or Italy. England's Thomas (left) and Japan's Mashimo celebrate the result With the 2011 tournament in New Zealand predicted to not bring in bumper revenues the RFU's financial power was seen as a way to bolster the IRB's reserves. The IRB also felt the need to break new ground by taking the 2019 World Cup to Asia after Japan were controversially overlooked for the 2011 tournament. Japan's bid leaders expressed delight at winning Tuesday's vote to stage the 2019 event and become the tournament's first Asian hosts.

"The God of rugby smiled on us today," said Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) president Yoshiro Mori. "I am filled with emotion to be a part of this historic day for Japan and for rugby around the world. "Japan has much to offer the rugby World Cup. We have a superb transport system, strong infrastructure and world-class stadiums. "We are honoured to welcome the global rugby family to our country and for the first time ever to Asia." Bookmark with:

Question: Which country will host the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup?
Answer: Japan